the only reason you were able to build your house "all by yourself" is because you live in a community. You wouldn't have cement, lumber, roads, shingles etc. if you lived in the self oriented vacuum you are describing.

When we decided to come together as a species, we compromised some of our individual freedom. When you have a 'business' you only have one because you are part of an established society. Without people to make use of your goods or services, you don't have any business. And living in a society requires all of us to pay towards the common good to an extent.

If you want to go out into the wilderness (good luck finding a piece of land that no one else has claimed) chop down trees, eat foraged and hunted food, clothe yourself with skins and garments you produce, and live apart from society, then you can claim to be really living by your own 'wits'- (for lack of a better word)

What is money really? It is the promise of 'work' or 'goods'. It doesn't matter if the "money" is gold, paper currency, or stock certificates- The billions that Romney is sitting on, is only of value when it is exchanged for the goods and services which other people are willing to provide in exchange for the 'promise' of someone else's' future work or goods.

This is why the concept of such inequalities of rich and poor of inherited wealth are destroying society imo. We want the benefit of community without the responsibility.

Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money" ~ Cree Indian Proverb

I agree. However, like it or not, there is a pretty large group of fellow citizens who don't see the world the way we do. They were forced to compromise during the FDR years and to some degree during the JFK/Johnson years.

It is easy to see things only from this side- but I think if you look back over history, there are many important policies which have been put into place and become accepted by society which have withstood many attempts from the opposition. They must feel as defeated as we do in their own way.

Personally I think that the progressive- "for the good of all citizens" - perspective is the absolute 'right' one. But I know many other people who live here as well who see life differently. As hard as they fight against our agenda we fight against theirs. It's a difficult, messy and ugly system- but that is how it is.

It's important to remember that there are 'Republicans' who sincerly believe that thier way is the best way for this country, just as we believe that ours is. The tension between the two parties is not easy to live with or navigate, but it is what a Democracy is all about (in my understanding).

I share your frustration and anger about where we are today- but lamenting the fact that we are far from where we want to be can distract us from our journey and seriously hurt us in the long run if we let it.
i've found this true in my own life experiences.
fwiw

speaks to that aspect of what I truly admire about Pres. O.
The way that he uses a moment like this to draw everyone into the circle of community. To remind us that ever one of us has an opportunity to use our lives in ways that can make the world a better place. That the actions of countless unknown, unsung little people doing what needs to be done, is what brings about meaningful change. Little by little, doing what we can, when and where we are.

you judge Limbaugh to be a monstrosity and question how in the world anyone could possibly care about him, or agree to marry him - how is that so different from his disgusting comments and judgements that he uses to attack people he choses to see as 'them' people he disparages and dehumanizes?

It's ok to do it because he does it? screw that.

I believe that who people choose to love, and why is not the business of anyone- to judge or to control. The ugly comments in reply to your OP are no less disturbing than Limbaughs vile words.

You think that because a woman entered into marriage with Limbaugh makes her fair game for hatred and scorn- why do you feel the need to stir up others to join you in this? Are you looking for confirmation that it's ok to do something you claim to hate Limbaugh for doing?

This isn't any less disgusting... but then maybe you'll say "ah well, we're just being humorus" .....

hyprocricy is ugly- Yes, I agree people should face what they are- especially when facing that gives them reason to pause and wonder if they really want to stay the way they are- or continue travelling down the ugly path they've chosen.